March 15, 2005 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has approved the appointment of Mel D. Vanterpool as director of the recently legislated Office of Homeland Security.
In a Government House release issued Tuesday night, Turnbull stated, "I have every confidence in his ability to direct the Office of Homeland Security."
Vanterpool is currently chief instructor/project manager in Special Communications for Homeland Defense Security, including Ports/Facilities Assessments and Security. He provides technical assistance to the management team of SPECOMM/HDSA, and is project manager for the Security Intelligence Division, according to the release.
Additionally, Vanterpool served as the satellite coordinator and readjustment counselor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 1982 until 2003. His duties included delivery of Vet Center counseling therapy and other medical services to the veteran community and their families in the Virgin Islands, California and Florida. He is also credited with establishing the Community Based Clinic/Vet Center Program in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the release stated.
Vanterpool is a member of Chapter 84, Special Forces Association in Hampton, Va., the St. Thomas Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW on St. Croix, and American Legion Post #90 on St. Thomas.
Turnbull said in the release that Vanterpool's "outstanding and impressive work as a former director of Veterans Affairs, and his continued professional experience with the National Homeland Defense Security makes him an ideal catalyst to move the Homeland Security Program forward."

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